In the indirect category one of the tricky negotiations is consultants. In many cases, they are brought in at high levels of the organization for their specific expertise. Often they have already been awarded the contract and are ready to start the assignment with the contract being the clean-up details. Has this ever happened to […]
Negotiating with consultants – the insider perspective Read More »
Challenges of Global Procurement Rob Handfield, Co-Director of the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative at North Carolina State University (SCRC), recently spoke to John Zapko, Vice President of global procurement for technology company Lenovo, about what’s going on in the world of global procurement. Zapko has procurement authority over all software, Latin America, and emerging markets.
Q&A with Lenovo’s VP of Global Procurement Read More »
As consumers, we’re wary of so-called “free” products and services as there’s always a hidden cost. Why, then, are procurement teams willing to accept free help with supplier selection? Asks Procurious’ Bruce Macfarlane, founder of Kansoly. Businesses often seek help with their buying decisions, especially in complicated categories such as telco or energy. Preparing an
Why “free help” with buying decisions costs more Read More »
This strapline is the inspiration for many resolutions in January, designed to make you fitter, healthier or to become a better person. Returning to work after the festive break, to an inbox bursting with adverts and stories promising a leaner and better you in 2017, Chris Webber, Practice Head for The Gap Partnership, was inspired
3 new-year negotiation resolutions Read More »
At early stages of my career and even now I have tried to utilise every chance I get to interact with senior managers, learn from their experiences. And get hands-on support from them where possible and use them as my supply chain coach. No matter whether your supply chain career is at beginners level, a
5 reasons why you should engage with a supply chain coach Read More »
It is not surprising that today many believe that public sector supply chain management is a new thing and that its advent has brought about challenges. While it is true that the world of supply chain management has evolved a great deal, 1994 was not a quantum leap that brought about the new South African
Is SA’s public procurement mature enough to grow the country’s SMMES? Read More »
The seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 50.9 in January 2017, up from 46.7 in December 2016. This was the first time since July 2016 that the index edged above the neutral 50-point mark, suggesting that the manufacturing sector started the year on a relatively solid footing. The rise in the headline
January PMI up 4.2 points to 50.9 Read More »
